West Ham and Rangers in Nikica Jelavic talks

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Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic
Image caption,

The Croat Jelavic is Rangers' top scoring threat

Rangers chairman Craig Whyte and his West Ham counterpart David Sullivan have discussed Ibrox top scorer Nikica Jelavic, boss Ally McCoist confirmed.

McCoist said: "I spoke to Craig today and I believe Craig had a conversation with David Sullivan.

"But Craig was very keen to point out that absolutely no offers had been made at all. I think it was just a pretty informal chat they had."

On Friday McCoist said a reported £6m Hammers bid was "not nearly enough".

BBC Scotland believes that Liverpool are the favourites to sign the Croatian striker, with Fulham also interested in signing the 26-year-old.

However, McCoist insists he is unaware of interest from any other clubs at this stage.

"The only team where there has been an indication of interest is West Ham," said the manager.

Jelavic featured in the Rangers side who fought back from behind to draw 1-1 with Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League at Ibrox, a result that leaves the club four points behind leaders Celtic.

The Dons opened the scoring through Kari Arnason's controlled, curling shot, before Maurice Edu levelled just four minutes later, with neither side able to find the winner.

Asked if Rangers can still catch their rivals, McCoist said: "Absolutely. Of that there is no doubt. We've got a squad of players I believe can win the championship."

When then quizzed on whether his side can retain the championship if Jelavic does leave this month, McCoist added: "I'll answer that question if and when it happens and hopefully it won't happen.

"I would hazard a guess and give you the same answer because I'm not going to sit here and tell you we'll not win the title."

McCoist is still keen to strengthen his attacking options in the January transfer window but claimed the loss of another two points changed nothing in terms of potential transfer business.

He said: "I'm not any more urgent because it was urgent before. I know what we need and hopefully we can get that sorted.

"Kyle Lafferty and Steven Naismith are both goalscoring threats and when you take them out of your team you've got a little bit of a problem. We need to replace that."

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